A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Belfast vs. Potsdam for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Belfast or Potsdam?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Potsdam, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife and shopping.

Potsdam

Potsdam is a historic, accessible, and compact city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Potsdam: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit


Is there more to do in Belfast or Potsdam?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Belfast than Potsdam. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Belfast is very popular for its big city activities, while Potsdam attracts visitors for its museums, food, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Belfast is famous for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". It is also well known for Belfast Castle. Potsdam is famous for its beautiful palaces, scenic town center, and accessibility to Berlin.

How is Belfast different from Potsdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Potsdam and Belfast. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Belfast or Potsdam?

Belfast
Potsdam

Potsdam is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Potsdam can be an interesting and educational experience. People visit this city for its high concentration of historic sights. The Renaissance Orangery Palace is a highlight of the visit for many travelers.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.


Is the Food Better in Belfast or Potsdam? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Belfast
Potsdam

Potsdam is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Potsdam makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find a diverse restaurant scene, although the city is quite small. There are international restaurants as well as local venues where you can try regional specialties.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Potsdam Better for Nightlife?

Belfast
Potsdam

Both Belfast and Potsdam are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Potsdam. The city is not far from Berlin, so head in to Germany's nightlife capital for the most famous clubs and venues. In the town of Potsdam there are cocktail bars and breweries that make for a mellow and relaxed evening.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Potsdam?

Belfast
Potsdam

Both Belfast and Potsdam are nice shopping destinations.

Belfast is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Potsdam. There are plazas and shopping streets that have the standard chain stores as well as antique shops and other boutiques.


Is Belfast or Potsdam Better for Families?

Belfast
Potsdam

Belfast and Potsdam are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Potsdam is a family-friendly city. There are a number of playgrounds around town as well as several beaches by lakes that are fun for kids. Another highlight for families is a visit to Babelsberg Film Studios.

Is Belfast or Potsdam Better for Couples?

Belfast
Potsdam

Potsdam is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Potsdam is a nice destination for couples. Exploring the city and soaking up the sights is the best way for couples to enjoy their time. There are some nice hotels and restaurants in the area that make for a great date night.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Potsdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Belfast
Potsdam

Potsdam is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Potsdam. There are a handful of hostels to choose from in town.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.


Is Belfast or Potsdam Better for Students?

Belfast
Potsdam

Belfast is very good for students. However, Potsdam is not popular with students.

Belfast is popular with students. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

Potsdam is not popular with students.

Is Belfast or Potsdam Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Belfast
Potsdam

Potsdam is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Potsdam. The city is well connected to Berlin by S-Bahn and bus.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Potsdam a more walkable city?

Belfast
Potsdam

Potsdam is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Potsdam is very walkable. It's a smaller, compact city that can mostly be explored on foot.

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.


For even more information, also check out Is Belfast Worth Visiting? and Is Potsdam Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Potsdam or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Potsdam?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Belfast or Potsdam to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Belfast than Potsdam because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Belfast, and 1-2 days is enough time in Potsdam.

Families should spend more time in Potsdam than Belfast. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Potsdam, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Potsdam than Belfast. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Potsdam that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Potsdam than Belfast if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Potsdam.


  • How many days in Belfast or Potsdam? Ideal Length of Stay
    Belfast 1-3 
    Potsdam 1-2

One day in Belfast or Potsdam?

In Belfast, you'll find nightlife and shopping. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Potsdam, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Belfast or Potsdam?

In Belfast, you'll find shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Belfast has to offer.

In Potsdam, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Potsdam has to offer.

Five days in Belfast or Potsdam?

Belfast is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Potsdam is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Belfast or Potsdam?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Belfast. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Potsdam. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Potsdam. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Germany, and The Best Adventure Tours to Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Potsdam or Belfast?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Belfast is £133, while the average daily cost in Potsdam is £95. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Belfast and Potsdam in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Belfast £68
    Potsdam £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Belfast £136
    Potsdam £102
Compare Hotels in Belfast and Potsdam

Looking for a hotel in Belfast or Potsdam? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Belfast


Hotels in Potsdam


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Belfast Hotel Prices and Potsdam Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Belfast £14
    Potsdam £24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Belfast

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Belfast:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Car: $105
  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Luxury Van: $105
  • Arrival Private Transfer Belfast Airport BHD or BFS to Belfast by Minibus: $145
  • Belfast Accommodation to Belfast City Airport (BHD) - Departure Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Bangor Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $54
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Holywood Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $23
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast City Airport (BHD) to Lisburn Accommodation - Roundtrip Private Transfer: $55
  • Belfast City Airport BHD Executive transfer to Belfast 1-4 people: $58
  • Belfast City to Belfast International Airport (BFS) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
  • Belfast International Airport (BFS) to Belfast City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Potsdam

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Potsdam:

  • Private Transfer from Potsdam to Berlin Tegel Airport: $160
  • Departure Airport Transfer from Potsdam Hotels to Berlin BER Airport: $174
  • Berlin Airport Departure Transfer from Potsdam Hotels: $174

Is it cheaper to fly into Belfast or Potsdam?

Prices for flights to both Potsdam and Belfast change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Belfast £51
    Potsdam £26

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Belfast

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Belfast.

  • Guided Craft Beer and Street Food Tour: $81
  • Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours: $108

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Belfast £18
    Potsdam £22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Belfast

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Belfast are as follows:


  • Movie Tickets
    £8.00

Tours and Activities in Belfast

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Belfast are as follows:

  • Belfast’s Titanic Quarter: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.00
  • Belfast's Iconic Sites: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.47
  • Museum Ticket: $6.90
  • Hillsborough Castle Gardens Entrance Ticket: $12
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour Belfast: $15
  • If Buildings Could Talk Tour: $15
  • Crumlin Road Gaol Experience: $18
  • 2.5-Hour Street Murals Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Belfast Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Belfast Murals Political Tour in Spanish: $19
  • Line of Duty Guided Walking Tour: $21
  • Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour: $22

Tours and Activities in Potsdam

Here are a few actual costs in Potsdam for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Beautiful Baroque A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park Self-Guided Gardens Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Baroque Buildings Self-Guided Mobile Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Sanssouci Park: A Self-Guide Audio Tour of the Garden's Landmarks: $5.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of City Center: $8.45
  • Museum Barberini Entrance Ticket: $11
  • Brandenburg Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Cecilienhof Castle Entrance Ticket: $13
  • Biosphäre Potsdam Entry Ticket: $16
  • In the Forbidden City - Potsdam Walking Tour: $20
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $21

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Belfast £7.86
    Potsdam £5.73

Sample the Local Flavors in Belfast

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Belfast:

  • Pub Crawl and Bar Walking Tour with Two Drinks: $15
  • Belfast Pub Crawl: $15
  • Explore & Taste: Distillery Tour at Titanic Distillers: $32
  • Belfast Giant's Causeway and Titanic Distillery Whiskey Tour: $69
  • VIP Skip-the Line Titanic Museum and Distillery Tasting Tour: $119


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Belfast and Potsdam, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Potsdam much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Potsdam would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Potsdam and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast than you might in Potsdam.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Belfast Expensive? and Is Potsdam Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Belfast or Potsdam?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 89% larger than the population of Potsdam. When comparing the sizes of Belfast and Potsdam, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Belfast or Potsdam?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Belfast or Potsdam in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Potsdam. Most visitors come to Belfast for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Potsdam because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Belfast is cooler than Potsdam. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Potsdam averages at about 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Potsdam this time of the year. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Potsdam during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Belfast 15°C (59°F) 
    Potsdam 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Potsdam in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Potsdam. The autumn months attract visitors to Belfast because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Potsdam this time of year.

In October, Belfast is generally cooler than Potsdam. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 9°C (48°F), and Potsdam fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 114 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Potsdam. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Belfast 9°C (48°F) 
    Potsdam 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Potsdam in the Winter?

Both Potsdam and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Potsdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Potsdam. It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. Belfast is much warmer than Potsdam in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Potsdam fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

Belfast usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Potsdam during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Potsdam receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Potsdam. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Belfast 4°C (39°F) 
    Potsdam -0°C (31°F)

Should I visit Belfast or Potsdam in the Spring?

Both Potsdam and Belfast during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Belfast for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Potsdam in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Belfast is cooler than Potsdam. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Potsdam averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Potsdam. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Potsdam receives 168 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in April than Potsdam. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Potsdam receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Belfast 8°C (46°F) 
    Potsdam 9°C (48°F)

Typical Weather for Potsdam and Belfast

Belfast Potsdam
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) -0°C (31°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 9°C (48°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (65°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)